Report Crime

Report a Crime

The ability of the police to locate and arrest criminals often depends on the thoroughness and accuracy of the report you submit. The following information checklist should be used for reporting both emergency and non-emergency crimes:

Runaway juvenile or missing person who needs special care — be sure to tell the operator if the person needs medication and has a special problem, e.g., Alzheimer’s disease

Persons who are….

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Entering a neighbor’s home when the neighbor is away

Forcing an entry of a home, business, or vehicle

Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms that poses a threat to him/herself or others

Removing property from a business, home, or vehicle, especially if the business is closed or the residents are away

Carrying or wearing bloody clothing

Struggling with a resisting child

Trying to or actually using a vehicle to pick up a person by force, especially a child or female

When should I call 9-1-1?

When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention.

Do I have to give my name when I call 9-1-1?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.

What should I do if I see a crime occurring ?

Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Be observant and make mental notes.

Are there any weapons involved?

What is the address?

Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?

Any clothing description?

How many people involved?

Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

How do I teach my children to Use 9-1-1?

Never say “nine eleven.” There is no eleven on a telephone keypad or dial. Always say “nine-one-one.”

Always call from a safe place. If there is a fire in the house, get out first and then call.

Post your address near the phone.

Never call 9-1-1 as a prank or joke. You can get into trouble and keep someone who really needs help from getting it in time.

9-1-1 is not for animal emergencies. Leave the number for the vet next to the phone. If you need to reach the City’s Dog Warden call (518) 270-4640.

Call 9-1-1 if you think you have an emergency and explain the situation to the dispatcher. If you call

9-1-1 by mistake, don’t hang up. Explain the mistake to the dispatcher and say there is NO EMERGENCY.

CRIME NON-EMERGENCIES | Dial (518) 270-4411

The City of Troy Police Department’s response to non-emergency calls will depend on the relative seriousness or priority of the situation, the likelihood of making an arrest at the scene, and the availability of an officer. Response times are the longest for so-called “cold crimes” like home burglaries where the perpetrator has fled the scene, no suspects exist, and the victim is in no further danger.

Below are some example situations that may not be emergencies:

Home and business burglaries in which the suspect is gone from the scene

Open or broken doors or windows in businesses or homes, especially if the business is closed or the residents are away

Stolen checks and credit cards — also call the financial institutions involved to have them stop payments of checks and verifications of charges

Impersonation and stolen identification, e.g., drivers license

Auto theft and vandalism

Hit and run accidents with no injuries

Minors violating curfew

Loud parties — the person calling must be willing to sign a complaint

Road hazards that don’t require immediate attention

Past instances of graffiti or other vandalism

Past instances of child or elder abuse

Runaway juvenile or missing adult who does not need special care

Car or building alarms

Underage drinking

Accumulations of consumer goods, especially in good condition and not in use in homes, garages, and storage areas